This weeks contributors: Ron Rivers
In a world increasingly driven by the expanding paradigms of the observable infinity and the non-duality of human imagination, understanding our purpose, values, and connections plays a vital role. These beliefs are embedded within the systems we create and sustain. One such manifestation is the emergence of value-based organizations. Here, we'll explore the difference between implicit and explicit value orientations within organizations and make a case for the profound potential of a value-first approach.
Value-based organizations bind personal value protocols and motivations to collective action. The ethos driving such organizations is deeply entrenched in values that, when applied effectively, can align the organization's efforts with the personal values and vision of the individuals participating within its ecosystem.
Technically, all organizations are value-based. Their objectives and protocols reinforce specific behaviors, which influence the thoughts and actions of those participating with or within them. We can divide our exploration into two particular types of value-based organizations. Implicit and Explicit.
Implicit Value-Based Organizations (IVOs) function without a declared set of value structures. They are driven by shared objectives rather than shared beliefs. For example, any investment organization or standard widget/SaaS C-Corp aiming for collective wealth accumulation is typically an IVO. Each member brings their personal value framework to these organizations, influencing their participation and productivity. The focus is more on the activity than the underlying philosophy.
IVOs struggle with aligning incentives between principal and agent because, without clear personal protocols guiding vision and action, the primary activity may fail to bond members, especially during challenges. IVOs will often have declared values, but they are often arbitrary, uninspiring, and serve an organization's material interests over the collective benefit of their stakeholders. Implicit Value-Based Organizations rarely transfer their aspirations to individuals, as participants recognize that their personal well-being and value orientation are less relevant to accomplishing IVO objectives.
Explicit Value-Based Organizations (EVOs) consciously declare a set of value structures that surpass the mere objectives of the organization. They are intended to shape their members' value protocols inside and outside productivity activity, aligning them with the organization's values. EVOs possess a shared language and understanding, which acts as a north star during challenging and ambiguous times. They cultivate values through dedicated spaces for reflection, storytelling, and personal experiences. Most important for EVOs is that their internal structure and external protocols disseminate these values in all interactions. EVO members join the organization because they believe in the values.
The benefits of EVOs are that they facilitate a wide range of internal and external undertakings rooted in shared values. They infuse a sense of collective responsibility and allow experimentation for novel alternatives to existing operational models. EVOs better prioritize the overarching mission, ensuring systemic structures and processes resonate with the community's central value tenets. Most importantly, they shrink the gap between principals' (the organization) and agents' (members) incentives. The best EVO objectives are nearly indistinguishable from those of the majority of their members.
Ensuring alignment between the individual and the systemic becomes paramount in a relational universe governed by the single truth. We understand that self is most ideally defined as the relationship between an individual and their circumstances within a given moment and seek to harmonize this relationship to the most significant degrees possible. Recognizing and acting upon the nuances between implicit and explicit value orientations can guide organizations in realizing this alignment, nurturing environments where individual and collective potentials are fully actualized.
Weekly Happenings
💰 SpiritDAO was accepted into Artizen Fund's Season 3! More details to follow on how you can support us in fundraising for our launch within this generous 1:1 matching funding cohort!!
📢 SpiritDAO will be at ETHChicago! Member Ron Rivers will be speaking about Prioritizing Purpose: A Strategic Blueprint for Building Value-Based DAOs on Friday, 9/15 @ 4PM - if you're in the Chicago area be sure to come say hello!
📢 SpiritDAO will be at Transformative Impact Summit! Member Ron Rivers will be speaking about Binding Spirit and System - if you're in the NYC area be sure to come say hello!
📙 Our graphic novel will be launching at the above two events!! We'll be handing out free copies to talk attendees and those we connect with in general conversation.
📔 We completed a black and white version of our graphic novel as well, offering multiple possible combinations to share with the world!
🎉 It's been one year since the release of Self-Actualization in the Age of Crisis. Thank you so much for all of your support and effort throughout the past year!
Thank you for reading!
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